Loy Canyon
One of our favorite things about trails is that they can offer a choose your own adventure style journey. Loy Canyon is one of the city’s trails that delivers both an extremely difficult challenge or a…
Teresa K. Traverse
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
The Grand Canyon’s beauty has been captivating artists for decades, and the annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art asks plein air painters to use their brushes to capture the canyon along the South Rim as they…
Community Leader Profile: Ben Burke of Manzanita Outreach
Manzanita Outreach started out as an organization in 2011 as a mission of the Verde Valley Christian Church. The nonprofit initially focused on large scale, meal-packing events and sent food down to Haiti following the 2010…
Home Sweet Home
In a city dominated by luxury home listings, Eagle Mountain Estate manages to stand out. For starters, this home is the most expensive home ever listed in Sedona. The price tag? $18.5 million. With that high…
Wilson Canyon Trail
When those temperatures rise, we often find ourselves searching for relatively easy trails that we can finish quickly but still have a great payoff. The Wilson Canyon Trail is one of our favorite hikes that fits…
Community Leader Profile: Jonathan Lutz of the Oak Creek Watershed Council
Jonathan Lutz is a self-described water person and a fly fisherman who grew up in western New York appreciating the wilderness. “Conservation to me is really critical. I grew up as a naturalist in the country,”…
Thumb Butte Trail
The Thumb Butte Trail is one of the most popular trails in Prescott National Forest for very good reasons. For starters, it’s easy to reach. The trailhead is a mere 10 minute drive from downtown Prescott….
Sedona Yoga Festival
Sedona is a spiritual haven for many, and it’s beyond fitting that the city has its own yoga festival. “Bringing people together in large numbers to practice and cultivate peace and unity and inspiration, all the…
Piano On The Rocks
When concert pianist and composer Sandrine Erdely-Sayo visited Sedona, she fell in love with the city’s beauty and eventually wanted to live here. The musician also saw that the city had no festival exclusively dedicated to…
Community Leader Profile: Annie Glickstein of Friends of the Forest
Annie Glickstein grew up loving the great outdoors. “Horses, dogs, being out by the ocean. I just I’m an outdoors person,” says Annie. “Anything outdoors was me.” She even met her husband on a camping trip…
Cow Pies Trail
If you don’t mind a bumpy ride to get there, Cow Pies Trail is probably one of the flattest and easiest hikes in Sedona. It also happens to be located in an area of Red Rock…
Sedona Ballet Presents ABT Studio Company
On March 15, Sedona residents can enjoy a special performance by American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company, the junior company of American Ballet Theatre. The dancers range in age from 16 to 20 and are considered…
Let’s Go: Enjoy the Vines, Wines & Scenery of Sonoma County
Sonoma County is best known as a wine destination. Here’s a smattering of wineries we visited on a trip hosted by Jordan Winery. WINERIES WORTH VISITING Jordan Winery is both wild and refined. During our visit…
Sedona International Film Festival
One of Sedona’s most popular events has returned. From Feb. 18 to 26, watch over 150 films that are a part of the Sedona International Film Festival. Find documentaries and narrative features from all over the…
A.B. Young Trail
This time of year is our absolute favorite for hiking. The cool temperatures mean you can spend hours on the trails. In the winter months on the weekends, you’ll often find us taking long, meandering hikes….
Living Better: Take Care of Yourself at Sedona’s Spas
MII AMO Mii amo has just undergone a sweeping transformation. Following a two-year closure and $40 million renovation, Mii amo is slated to re-open its doors on Feb. 2. After 20 years in business, it was…
West Fork Trail
Oh, West Fork. There is something undeniably magical with Oak Creek and Sedona’s towering red rocks beside you as you cross multiple streams. This only-in-Sedona scenery makes this hike truly stunning. Like so many of Sedona’s…
Sedona Lago Gardens
A new community in Sedona has opened and aims to help an under-served segment of the population. “Our official name is Sedona Lago Gardens, and our mission is to serve gifted and talented young adults with…
Craft Distilling Workshop
Yavapai College is noteworthy for its thriving wine program where many local wine makers have been trained. A new offering for the college making its debut this December is a craft distilling workshop where students will…
Merry & Bright: How To Spend The Holiday Season
VISIT TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS & SHOPPING VILLAGE If you’re in Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is practically the city’s holiday headquarters. The shopping center is all decked out in lights and décor and hosts some of…
Community Leader Profile: Nancy Steele of Friends of the Verde River
Arizona native Nancy Steele fell in love with biology as a young person. But as she was working on her master’s degree, she realized she didn’t want to work in that field. She was debating between…
Sedona’s Five Hardest Hikes
Sedona is a hiking mecca with over 200 hiking trails to explore. If you’re searching for a true challenge, these hikes deliver with heart pumping climbs and breathtaking summit views that will make all the effort…
Red Rocks of Sedona Trail Race
If you’re searching for a new way to see Sedona, consider trail running. For starters, you’ll see more terrain in a shorter period of time. “There is no other place that has the same red rock…
Day of the Dead and the Marigold Mural Project
One of Sedona’s most literally colorful events is returning to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village this fall from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2. Expect to see Tlaquepaque’s fountains, streets and patios transformed with colorful décor as…
“Forever Wild”
On a trip to Telluride, Colorado, Ron Melmon was riding a gondola and saw an empty swath of land. He asked his niece that he was visiting about it. She told him that that’s the Valley…
Doe Mountain Trail
Every year, the trail leading to the top of Doe Mountain seems to grow in popularity as more and more hikers seek out the mesa’s 360-degree views. It’s easy to see why so many flock to…
Rock Climbing in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona rocks. We know that. But Northern Arizona’s literal rocks make it a popular region for rock climbing. “It’s got a lot of diverse types of climbing that you can do in a short distance,”…
7 Family-Friendly Sedona Area Restaurants
In Sedona with kids and looking for a place to eat? These seven kid-friendly Sedona area restaurants each offer kid’s menus and atmospheres that are ideal for families with children. Here’s where to dine out in…
Coming Home: Modern Art
Sedona resident, designer and furniture maker Glendon Good has always been making functional items. “I was always sort of a tinkerer as a kid,” Glendon says. He made his own bicycle and skateboard ramps. He eventually…
Aspen Loop Trail
Flagstaff’s Aspen Loop Trail is a gem of a hike any time of year, but it’s especially worth the drive in the fall. Although peak leaf peeping season does vary annually, the fall colors are typically…
Table Top Trail
When those summer temperatures soar, one of our favorite places to hike in town is Airport Mesa. The relatively easy and mostly short trails in this West Sedona area all offer stunning views of some of…
Jim Thompson Trail
When it’s hot outside, but we still want to hike, we love trails where you can leave a car at either end, and the Jim Thompson Trail is a great option. The hike begins near Jordan…
Sedona Yoga Festival
After a two-year hiatus, the Sedona Yoga Festival will return this month. The festival was one of the first major events to shut down at the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. “We’re so…
White Mesa Trail
Finding a quiet trail to hike in Sedona can be tough, and that’s why trails like the White Mesa Trail – a historic cattle trail – can be refreshing. Although this hike lacks red rock views,…
Vultee Arch Trail
Accessing the Vultee Arch Trailhead is a challenge and one of the hardest parts of this easy trail. The only way to reach it is with a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. Yes, you need both high…
Let’s Go: Williams, Arizona
DOWNTOWN WILLIAMS Downtown Williams is teeming with top-notch restaurants and shops and makes for one pleasant stroll. Choice highlights include Pine Country Restaurant. Homemade pies ranging from Key Lime to Triple Layer Chocolate Cake are the…
Verde Valley Archeology Center
The Verde Valley Archaeology Center opened its new 10,850-square-foot facility in Camp Verde this past winter. This will be the Center’s fourth home in Camp Verde since it began in 2010. “The museum part will be…
The Insiders Guide To The Grand Canyon
WHERE TO STAY A few new lodging options have opened at the Grand Canyon that cater to the traveler who wants to experience the great outdoors without having to sleep on the ground. One of those…
Munds Wagon Trail
When we set out to hike Munds Wagon Trail, we weren’t expecting to find waterfalls. We’ve hiked this trail in warm weather without a puddle in sight, so we suspect our experience was relatively rare, which…
Fay Canyon
Fay Canyon has long been one of the most popular hikes in Red Rock Country and for good reason: There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead, the route is relatively flat until the end and the…
Mescal Trail
Although originally built for and by mountain bikers, the 2.5-mile Mescal Trail is a relatively easy, mostly flat trail that makes for an easy going hike. Mescal is most likely named for the mountain it skirts…
Sedona Shopping Guide
South of the “Y” Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village Fashioned after a Mexican village, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is filled with more than 50 colorful boutiques. We’ve spent many hours strolling through this centrally located…
Sedona Turkey Trot
Running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day morning can be a tradition much like eating pumpkin pie and turkey on Thanksgiving. Now in its twelfth year, the Sedona Turkey Trot is slated to return this year…
Iconic Trails
Airport Loop When out-of-town guests who don’t hike often ask us what trail to hike, Airport Loop is typically our answer. This relatively flat (but a little rocky) trail offers breathtaking views of all of Sedona’s…
Devil’s Bridge
The sandstone arch that gives this trail its name has become a star on social media. The arch’s visual appeal is undeniable. Many hikers flock here to see this incredible arch with their own eyes, and…
Spirited Sedona
Sedona Learn more about two historical spaces in Sedona that are still in use today, the Hart Store/Hummingbird house and the Sedona Heritage Museum. The Hart Store/Hummingbird House Named after L.E. “Dad” Hart, a rancher in…
Chapel Trail
Summer’s high temps generally linger in September, and if you’re looking for an easy and short trail that features stunning red rock views, try the quick and easy Chapel Trail. Although dogs are not allowed inside…
Birds Of A Feather
Image above: Sedona-based photographer Ted Grussing photographed this red tail hawk at Lake Pleasant in Peoria. “This was the takeoff,” he says. “It’s just the magnificent wing positions. It’s kind of like a ballet. Then you’ve…
Humane Society of Sedona’s 2021 Pet Lovers’ Masquerade Gala
Following a virtual event in 2020, the Humane Society of Sedona’s annual gala has returned as a virtual and in-person event in 2021 with the theme of Pet Lovers’ Masquerade Gala. “We’re excited to be back…
Six Dog-Friendly Sedona Restaurants
Sedona diners who want to eat out at a restaurant with their dogs have plenty of options. All of these restaurants offer dedicated dog menus so you and your pup can both enjoy a fine meal….
Our Incredible Wildlife
Image above: Sedona photographer Ted Grussing took this photo of this bobcat in his backyard. She was about seven or eight feet away from him. “She was staring at me. She was really relaxed. I just…
Where to Swim in Sedona
Slide Rock State Park One of Sedona’s most popular attractions in the summer, Slide Rock State Park, is named for the 80-foot long natural rock slide that visitors have been sliding down for years. The setting…
Fly Fishing in Sedona
The water of Oak Creek can be an incredible thing, and one of the best ways to spend a few hours on the creek is by fly fishing. “There’s lots of boulders. It’s absolutely crystal. That…
Sedona Restaurant Guide
Italian Bella Vita Ristorante Bella Vita Ristorante combines a charming atmosphere with fresh, homemade Italian fare. Quaint interior details include a real fireplace, warm red walls and chandeliers that will make you want to linger. The…
Coming Home: The Strawberry Inn
When owner Amber Eilers renovated and designed Strawberry’s The Strawberry Inn – formerly the Windmill Corner Inn – in the summer of 2016, she kept functionality in mind. In addition to the main building on AZ-87,…
Allen’s Bend
When those temperatures rise in June, many Sedona hikers will stick to shorter trails until the cooler weather returns. And that’s why we love a quick hike like Allen’s Bend. The trailhead for Allen’s Bend starts…
Kayaking on the Verde River
Hot summer months have many Northern Arizona residents and visitors alike kayaking on the Verde River looking to get some exercise and cool off on the water. Don’t expect an entirely placid river though. “There is…
See and Touch “Snakes! Lizards! Tortoises!” with Sonoran Reptiles
It is not every day that you get to spend quality time with reptiles of all stripes. But on the first Tuesday of the month from now until September, you can. Nonprofit Sonoran Reptiles will host…
Inside the Design of the Light House
Perhaps the most unique part about the design of the home is that the entire home’s interior and exterior were made to incorporate principles of feng shui and symbols of Eastern religions. “Feng shui is an…
Boynton Canyon Trail
Sometimes all you need is a long hike. It gives you time to think, relax and get in a good workout. One of our top trails that meets all those requirements is the Boynton Canyon Trail….
Let’s Go: Experience the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
THINGS TO SEE The South Rim, essentially, is divided up into three different main “areas.” The first is the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, which is closed as of press time. To the west of the visitor…
Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona Celebrates 30 Years
For an organization that has been around for 30 years and does plenty to help the community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, you may have never heard of the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) of Sedona….
Birdwatching
Much like hiking, birdwatching is about appreciating nature. “Birdwatching is one of the simplest ways to engage with nature. And, for the most part, we usually go for a walk or a short hike. And I…
Virgin Cheese
There aren’t many vegan cheese shops in the country. But you can find one in Clarkdale on main street. Virgin Cheese started back in 2014 in Las Vegas as a mostly wholesale business. The Northern Arizona…
Brewer Trail
Believe it or not, there is a trail you can hike if you’re searching for solitude and happen to be on Airport Road: the Brewer Trail. We only spotted two couples on our short hike. After…
Baldwin Trail
The Baldwin Trail is one of our favorite hidden gems. For one thing, it’s tucked away in the Village of Oak Creek so you can enjoy a secluded hike. For the entire hour we hiked, we…
Teresa Joy
Like many musicians, violinist Teresa Joy found herself through her instrument. She’s been playing professionally since she was 12. Music is in her blood. Her father is Esteban, a musician who has been a fixture in…
Todd Frame Gallery
We couldn’t talk to landscape photographer Todd Frame without asking about his last name – a perfect one for his chosen profession. “It also comes back to bite me a little bit because at least once…
At Home: Sedona’s Favorite Spaces
A CONTEMPORARY UPTOWN DREAM HOUSE Jim and Kathy Atkinson had recently moved to Phoenix from California, and we’re coming up to Red Rock Country whenever they got the chance. They decided to move to Sedona and…
Sedona International Film Festival
Editor’s note The Sedona International Film Festival has been postponed until June 12-20, 2021. Visit sedonafilmfestival.org for more. The Sedona International Film Festival is returning in 2021, and for the first time ever, will include a…
Elizabeth Silk Gallery
Oil painter Elizabeth Silk has been a professional artist for nearly 30 years, and she always wanted her own gallery. Her dream became a reality when her eponymous gallery opened in Hozho Distinctive Shops & Galleries…
Let’s Go: Texas Hill Country
DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG One of our favorite places just might be Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg – just over one hour from San Antonio and about 90 minutes from Austin. We spent most of our time in…
Sugarloaf Loop Trail
West Sedona’s Sugarloaf Loop Trail is an easy way to work up a sweat, take in beautiful views and get in a good hike. It’s especially beautiful after a dusting of snow. Begin your hike at…
Cibola Pass Trail
The Cibola Pass Trail is one of our favorite short hikes in Sedona. The Uptown Sedona trail offers stellar views of many of the major red rock formations in the area. We can’t think of a…
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)”
When President, Executive Director and Chairwoman at the Sedona Arts Academy & Community Center, Camilla Ross, was selecting her Christmas show for 2020, the play “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” was an easy…
Marg’s Draw Trail
What we love most about Marg’s Draw Trail is that it offers hikers so very much. For starters, it’s easily accessible and located in central Sedona. You can connect to other trails and hike nearly all…
Sedona Wolf Week
Sedona Wolf Week was created back in 2016 to educate the public about wolves. This year’s wolf week is entirely virtual. The hope is that this online format – in years past, Sedona Wolf Week has…
Bike On Sedona’s Best Trails
Easy Trails Sedona Bike Skills Park Located on Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona, the Sedona Bike Park is an ideal spot where you can develop biking skills. The park features jumps, drops and trails. “It’s…
Marigold Mural Project
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village’s Marigold Mural Project is in honor of Old Soul’s Day or the Day of the Dead, a tradition of the indigenous people of Mexico. The event is a nod to Tlaquepaque’s…
Dinner with a View: Nine Sedona Restaurant Patios
COWBOY CLUB Uptown Sedona’s Cowboy Club’s bustling patio offers red rock views and is a great place to people watch in one of the city’s busiest areas. Cowboy Club is a Sedona institution that goes way…
Opt Outside: Meet Steve Richardson, Parks & Recreation Manager for the City of Sedona
SEDONA MONTHLY: How did you get interested in this type of work? STEVE RICHARDSON: I grew up as a parks and recreation kid. My mom signed me up for just about everything. I grew up in…
Where To Go Camping In Sedona
Cave Springs Cave Springs calls scenic Oak Creek Canyon home. And this site gives campers a great taste of Sedona’s natural splendor. The campground is creek-side, surrounded by lush green ponderosa trees and red rocks. Campers…
Off Roading In Sedona
Outlaw Trail The Outlaw Trail is an approximately 23.2 mile loop road that’s ideal for intermediate off- roaders. Outlaw starts off mild with a few pretty rugged parts. The trail allegedly was used by, you guessed…
Hot Air Ballooning In Sedona
One of our favorite things about waking up early is looking up in the Sedona sky and seeing a hot air balloon. The colorful balloons make the sky just that much more magical. And chief pilot…
Sedona’s Top Golf Courses
Sedona Golf Resort At the Sedona Golf Resort, golfers can chip away at 18 different holes in the shadow of Bell Rock. The Gary Panks designed course in the Village of Oak Creek plays 6,646 yards…
Top 10 Sedona Hikes
Bright Angel Round-Trip Distance: 18.5 miles; At a Glance: Iconic, Stunning Arizona Views Although not in Sedona, we couldn’t run this list without this Grand Canyon trail. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in the…
Sedona Arts Academy & Community Center
Whenever a new art space has opened, we take note. And the latest one to debut is the Sedona Arts Academy (SAA) & Community Center in the Village of Oak Creek. The space is a collaboration…
Sedona Plein Air Festival
The Sedona Plein Air Festival will see many firsts this year. For the first time ever, the Sedona Plein Air Festival will be entirely virtual. From Oct. 24 to 31, you can visit sedonapleinairfestival.org and the…
Pyramid to Scorpion Trail Loop
As the cooler temperatures gradually arrive in September, we always look forward to heading back out to the trails more frequently. And while we’re building back up our strength, we’re searching for hikes that are moderately…
Explore Sedona’s Extraordinary Parks
CRESCENT MOON RANCH You can find one of the most iconic views in Sedona (if not the entire Southwest) at Crescent Moon Ranch. If you’re in town for a short period of time, head here for…
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Northern Arizona Wedding
Northern Arizona is spectacular. And it’s no surprise as to why many couples want to have their weddings here: They want to capture the magic of the region on their big day. If you’re considering having…
A Flagstaff Mountain Wedding: William “Zach” Sebring & Courtney Truett
Ceremony: Kendrick Park in Flagstaff Feb. 29, 2020 Photography by Genie Vogelsang, Birdsong Wedding Photography, birdsongweddingphotography.com HOW THEY MET: William “Zach” Sebring and Courtney Truett met in February of 2017 through mutual friends who opened a…
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
Every year, artists flock to Grand Canyon National Park to paint images of this stunning place as part of the annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. And in a year when there’s been so much change,…
A Classic Sedona Wedding: Dan Kamrath & Kiirsten “Kiirsti” Makela
Ceremony: The Church of the Red Rocks Reception: Enchantment Resort June 9, 2018 Photography by Andrew Mejia and Katrina Wallace of Sedona Bride Photographers, sedonabride.com HOW THEY MET: The couple met on Match.com Teacher and mom…
Sedona View Trail
The Sedona View Trail really lives up to its name. The views by this trailhead are some of the best in town. We’ve spent plenty of time appreciating the stunning vistas of Coffee Pot Rock, Chimney…
Wedding Resource Guide
SEDONA VENUES Agave of Sedona Wedding & Event Center Sedona’s wedding and event center offers over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Agave features two outdoor terraces, indoor reception space with floor to…
A Sunset Grand Canyon Ceremony: Lindsey Brink & Luke Wroblewski
Ceremony: Moran Point at the Grand Canyon Reception: Rustler’s Rooste in Phoenix Oct. 8, 2019 Photography by Tangled Lilac Photography, Melissa dunstan, tangledlilac.com HOW THEY MET: Lindsey Brink and Luke Wroblewski were both working at the…
Plant 2 Platter
In 2015, Chris Kalinich attended a nutrition conference at Flagstaff’s Northern Arizona University that would change her life. She had been experiencing a range of health problems including fatigue, migraines and gallbladder issues and had been…
Eagle Eye Barrels
Kenny New has worked in wood and construction for decades. Back in the 1980s, he owned a Sedona-based log homes furniture business. And a few years ago, he was poking around Craigslist searching for barrels to…
Teacup Trail
When those temperatures start to climb, we look for hikes that meet two requirements: short and scenic. And West Sedona’s Teacup Trail is one of our favorite brief hikes with top-notch views of one of Sedona’s…
